Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/234

 waiting-woman, whose place since her death she had filled.

"I was longing, Mademoiselle (said she with a smile and a courtesy), for an opportunity of welcoming you back to the castle. I hope you had a pleasant time at V; but indeed I dare say you had, for Madame Chatteneuf sees a power of company they say; and she is in the right of it—company is the life of one; besides, it gives her daughter a chance of being married soon; I warrant she has a number of admirers; and I make no doubt but you, Mam'selle, came in for your share."

"You are mistaken indeed Floretta," said Madeline smiling.

"Not entirely, Mam'selle: Lord, didn't Jacques and Philippe tell me the first evening you went to Madame Chatteneuf's, there was no one there half so much admired as you were; and how you danced with the handsomest gentleman present who looked so tender on you, Monsieur—lord, I for-